American tennis star Serena Williams, the second-most successful player in Grand Slam history, will compete at Wimbledon at the age of 44, tournament organizers announced today.
“This is not a drill. Serena Williams will contest the ladies’ singles in 2026 thanks to a wild card,” the tournament organization posted on social media platform X.
The former world number one, who is tied with Germany’s Steffi Graf for the second-most Open Era Wimbledon singles titles with seven—trailing compatriot Martina Navratilova by two—has not competed in singles since the 2022 US Open.
The tennis icon made her return to the courts earlier this June in the doubles category, bowing out in the quarterfinals of the Queen’s tournament.
Read more: Serena Williams’ return cut short by partner’s injury
At Wimbledon, the third Grand Slam of the year scheduled to take place between June 29 and July 12, the tennis star will also compete in doubles. She is expected to partner with her sister Venus Williams, who is two years older and has continued to compete regularly on the circuit.
Throughout her storied career, Serena Williams has secured 23 Grand Slam singles titles, just one behind the all-time record held by Australia’s Margaret Court. Her Wimbledon singles triumphs came in 2002, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2015, and 2016.
In addition to her singles success, she also boasts six doubles titles at the world’s most prestigious grass-court tennis tournament.
